Systems and methods for improving the adjustment of a vehicle headrest using gestures

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for improved and intuitive adjustment of a vehicle headrest. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may include touch sensors and/or motion sensors to determine a driver or passenger intends to adjust a vehicle headrest. Upon detection of touch consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest and/or a hand gesture consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest, a system may unlock a vehicle headrest. A driver or passenger may move the unlocked vehicle headrest into the desired position. Upon detection of a condition indicating the driver or passenger is finished and/or upon a set period of time elapsing, the system may re-lock the vehicle headrest into place. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may also include a power-assist function. The power-assist function may include motors and force sensors to assist a driver or passenger in moving a vehicle headrest into a desired position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle comfort and safetycontrols, and in particular, some implementations may relate to improvedadjustment of a vehicle headrest.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Vehicles are equipped with headrests to improve driver and passengersafety by preventing whiplash and to improve driver and passengercomfort by supporting the head and neck of a driver or passenger. Toaccommodate drivers and passengers of different sizes and drivers andpassengers having different comfort preferences, vehicle headrests maybe adjusted. For example, vehicle headrests may be raised or lowered toincrease or decrease the height of the headrest relative to the seat.Vehicle headrests may also be tilted to adjust the angle of the headrestrelative to the seat.

Traditionally, drivers and/or passengers may adjust a vehicle headrestby physically depressing a button on the headrest. Depressing thisbutton may release the headrest so that a driver may pull the headrestup or push the headrest down to a desired height. Releasing the buttonmay lock the headrest into place such that it can no longer be adjusted.The driver or passenger may need to depress the button continuously,while adjusting the headrest, to avoid locking the headrest into place.A driver or passenger may be able to tilt a headrest by twisting orpulling a headrest forward or twisting and or pushing a headrestbackward using their own physical strength provided by their arms and/orhands. A driver may need to depress a release button to tilt theheadrest as well.

Release buttons are typically located on the seat near the point wherethe headrest is attached to the seat, though it may be located in otherplaces. For example, if the headrest is pushed all the way down andflush with the seat, the release button may be obscured by the headrestitself. A driver may need to reach their hand in between the headrestand the seat to locate and depress the release button. Therefore, intraditional systems, the release button can be difficult to locate. Therelease button can also be difficult to depress. Further, it can bedifficult to depress the release button while simultaneously adjustedthe headrest, which is typically required in most traditional systems.The difficulties are only complicated when a driver or passenger assumesa seated position with the back of their head against the headrest. Thedriver or passenger in such a position cannot see the release button orheadrest and must reach their arms and/or hands behind their body and/orhead and neck to adjust the headrest.

References discuss replacing and/or supplementing a physical releasebutton with other interfaces to support headrest adjustment. Forexample, a reference discusses detecting the presence of a driver orpassenger in a seat and unlocking headrest adjustment mechanisms basedon whether a driver or passenger is seated in a vehicle seat. Such asystem may include some limitations, including the fact that this typeof system may allow a driver to adjust a headrest while driving. Asanother example, a system may leverage sensors to adjust a headrest in acertain way based on user motions. Such a system may also be limited inthat it allows a driver to adjust the headrest while driving thevehicle. Such a system also does not teach locking and/or unlocking theheadrest system. Therefore, a system capable of unlocking and/or lockinga headrest to allow for improved adjustment only at a safe andappropriate time is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology a headrestadjustment system may include a motion sensor system. The motion sensorsystem may be configured to detect hand gestures indicating a userintends to adjust a headrest. The headrest adjustment system may alsoinclude a smart lock mechanism to secure the headrest in place. Thesmart lock mechanism may be configured to communicate with the motionsensor system such that, upon detection of hand gestures indicating theuser intends to adjust the headrest, the headrest adjustment system mayunlock the smart lock mechanism, releasing the headrest.

The motion sensor system may include several types of motion sensorsincluding camera sensors, sonar, radar, and LIDAR. The hand gesturesindicating a user intends to adjust the headrest may include naturalhand gestures that a typical user may perform when a user attempts toadjust the headrest. For instance, a user may reach toward the headrestwith both hands when the user intends to adjust the headrest. The handgestures indicating a user intends to adjust the headrest may alsoinclude set hand gestures that the headrest adjustment system may beconfigured to recognize as signifying that a user intends to adjust theheadrest.

In an embodiment, the headrest adjustment system may lock the smart lockmechanism and secure the headrest in place when the motion sensorsdetect that the user is no longer adjusting the headrest. In anembodiment, the headrest adjustment system may lock the smart lockmechanism and secure the headrest in place when the motion sensorsdetect a hand gesture that the system may be configured to recognizeindicates that a user is finished adjusting the headrest. In anembodiment, the headrest adjustment system may lock the smart lockmechanism and secure the headrest in place upon expiration of a setperiod of time following release of the headrest.

In an embodiment, hand gestures indicating that a user intends to adjustthe headrest may include hand gestures that a user must perform usingtwo hands.

A headrest adjust system may also include a touch sensor system. Touchsensors may be embedded in portions of the headrest. The touch sensorsystem may be configured to detect a user touch at separate portions ofthe headrest. The smart lock mechanism may be further configured tocommunicate with the touch sensor system such that, upon detection of auser touch at both portions of the headrest, the system may unlock thesmart lock mechanism and may release the headrest.

A power-assist system may also be used to facilitate headrestadjustment. A power-assist system may include force sensors. The forcesensors may be configured within a headrest. The power-assist system mayalso include motors. The motors may be attached to the headrest. Upondetection by the force sensors of a user force applied to the headrest,the power-assist system may actuate the motors and may move the headrestin the direction of the applied force.

In an embodiment, the power-assist system may, upon detection of a lackof user force applied to headrest, stop the motors to stop moving theheadrest. In an embodiment, the power-assist system may detectapplication of a counter-force to the headrest. Upon detection of thecounter-force, the system may stop the motors to stop moving theheadrest.

In an embodiment, the motors may automatically stop moving the headrestin a downwards direction when the headrest contacts a seat. In anembodiment, the motors may automatically stop moving the headrest in anupwards direction when the headrest has reached a maximum upwardextension distance.

A headrest adjustment method may include detecting, using motionsensors, a first user hand gesture. A headrest adjustment method mayfurther include confirming the detect first user hand gesture indicatesthat the user intends to adjust the headrest. A headrest adjustmentmethod may further include unlocking a smart mechatronic lock to enablefree movement of the headrest. The smart mechatronic lock may securedthe headrest in place. A headrest adjustment method may further includedetecting, using force sensors, a user force applied to the headrest. Aheadrest adjustment method may further include moving the headrest,using motors, in the direction indicated by the applied user force.

A headrest adjustment method may further include detecting, using forcesensors, the absence of a user force applied to the headrest. A headrestadjustment method may further include stopping motion of the headrest. Aheadrest adjustment method may further include detecting, using motionsensors, a second user hand gesture. A headrest adjustment method mayfurther include confirming the detected second user hand gestureindicates that the user is finished adjusting the headrest. A headrestadjustment method may further include locking the smart mechatronic lockto secure the headrest in place. A headrest adjustment method mayfurther include confirming that the detected user hand gesture isconsistent with safe operation of a vehicle.

Other features and aspects of the disclosed technology will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, thefeatures in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. Thesummary is not intended to limit the scope of any inventions describedherein, which are defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture for facilitating headrestadjustment in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2 is an example computing component that may be used to implementvarious features of embodiments described in the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a seatback/headrest system in accordance withone embodiment of the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 4A is an example of a vehicle headrest adjustment system inaccordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods describedherein.

FIG. 4B is an example of a vehicle headrest adjustment system inaccordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods describedherein.

FIG. 5A is an example of a power-assist headrest adjustment system inaccordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods describedherein.

FIG. 5B is an example of a power-assist headrest adjustment system inaccordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods describedherein.

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosureto the precise form disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein can provideimprovements in adjusting a vehicle headrest. Vehicle headrests improvethe safety of a driver and passengers in a vehicle by preventingwhiplash. Vehicle headrests also improve the comfort of the driver andpassengers in a vehicle by providing support for the head and/or neck.In conventional systems, a vehicle headrest may be adjusted byphysically depressing a mechanical release button, and, while the buttonis depressed, physically pulling or pushing the headrest into thedesired position. Locating and depressing the mechanical release buttonmay be difficult and/or awkward. Because it may be difficult and/orawkward to adjust the headrest, drivers and/or passengers may not adjustthe headrest or may not adjust the headrest properly. A properlyadjusted headrests confers both safety and comfort advantages, so asystem enabling improved and intuitive adjustment of a vehicle headrestis desired. Such a system increases the chances that a driver and/orpassengers will adjust the headrest properly.

The systems and methods described herein provide for improved andintuitive vehicle headrest adjustment. Adjusting a headrest inaccordance with some embodiments may be accomplished by replacing theconventional mechanical release button interface discussed above with asmart mechatronic lock-unlock interface that operates based on detecteduser intent. For example, a system may employ sensors and a processorwith instructions to determine when a driver and/or passenger intends toadjust a vehicle headrest. Upon detecting and confirming that a driverand/or passenger intent to adjust the headrest, the system mayautomatically unlock the headrest to allow the driver and/or passengerto push or pull the headrest into the desired position. Such a systemmay eliminate the need for a driver and/or passenger to locate andphysically depress a release button.

To determine whether a driver and/or passenger intends to adjust thevehicle headrest, sensors may monitor the movements of the driver and/orpassengers. Sensors may also detect when the driver and/or passenger istouching the headrest. Based on collected sensor data, the system maydetect movement, touch, or some other event that is consistent with adriver and/or passenger’s intent to adjust the headrest. A processor mayexecute code to detect activity consistent with an intent to adjust theheadrest. For example, an intent to adjust the headrest may be definedas a two-handed touch of the headrest or a two-handed gesture in thevicinity of the headrest. The processor may then execute code to confirmthe intent to adjust. For example, if the detected touch or gestureconsistent with intent to adjust is sustained for a threshold period oftime, the processor may confirm an intent to adjust. Upon confirmationof the detected adjustment intent, the system may unlock one or moremechanical actuators that secure the headrest in place. Unlocking themechanical actuators may allow the driver and/or passengers to pull theheadrest upwards and away from the seat, push headrest down and towardsthe seat, and/or tilt the headrest at an angle relative to the seat. Anytype of appropriate locking mechanism may be used to lock the headrestin place.

Such a system may also be configured to determine not only that a userintends to adjust a vehicle headrest but also that it is a safe andappropriate time to adjust the headrest. For example, the processor mayinclude instructions that instruct the system to keep the headrestlocked while the vehicle is in motion. In another embodiment, theprocessor may be equipped with instructions to only unlock the vehicleheadrest if a two-handed touch or gesture indicating intent to adjustthe headrest is detected. Requiring a two-handed touch or gesture mayeliminate the possibility that a driver has at least one hand on thewheel. Therefore, requiring a two-handed gesture may reduce and/oreliminate the possibility that a driver is attempting to adjust theheadrest while driving because a driver would most likely need at leastone hand on the wheel to operate the vehicle.

Sensor detection, as described, for example, in the preceding paragraph,may eliminate the need for a driver and/or passenger to locate anddepress a physical release button. Eliminating the need to locate anddepress a physical release button may improve vehicle headrestadjustment because, in conventional systems, the release button may bedifficult to locate and depress. For example, if a headrest is loweredflush to the seat in a conventional system, the release button may beobscured between the headrest and the seat. The release button maydifficult to locate because it may not be visible. Because the releasebutton is trapped between the headrest and the seat, the release buttonmay also be difficult to depress while simultaneously moving theheadrest into the desired position.

For at least these reasons, a driver and/or passenger that does not needto locate or depress the release button may be more likely to adjust thevehicle headrest which may improve the safety and comfort of the driverand/or passenger. Additionally, drivers and/or passengers withdisabilities, injuries, or other conditions affecting their ability toadjust the vehicle headrest may be better able to adjust the headrestproperly in a system that does not require the driver/passenger tolocate and depress a release button.

A headrest adjustment system may also include a power-assist function.The power-assist function may detect when a driver and/or passenger ismanipulating the headrest. The power-assist function may, based on theactions of the driver and/or passenger in manipulating the headrest,provide power-assist to adjust the headrest in the manner attempted bythe driver and/or passenger. Providing power-assist may reduce the forceneeded by the driver and/or passenger to adjust the vehicle headrestinto the desired position. Therefore, a power-assist function mayincrease the chances that a driver and/or passenger will adjust theheadrest because the power-assist function reduces the forces needed andoffers an improved, intuitive approach. Additionally, a power-assistfunction may make it easier for drivers with differing physicalstrength, grip, reach, and other capabilities to adjust the headrest.

The systems and methods described above may be integrated into a newseat back /headrest system and may form a component of a new vehicle.However, in another embodiment, an existing seat back/headrest system ina vehicle may be retrofitting to include the features described above.For example, a vehicle may include an existing seatback/head restsystem. Retrofitting the existing system may involve adding touchsensors and/or motion sensors to the existing headrest. Retrofitting mayalso involve replacing an existing lock/unlock mechanism with a smartmechatronic lock/unlock system. Retrofitting may further involve addinga wired or wireless connection to the sensors and smart mechatroniclock/unlocking system and existing or added vehicle circuitry. Theretrofitted vehicle may also be equipped with instructions relating todetecting intent to adjust a vehicle and unlocking/locking the headrest,as described above. An existing vehicle may also be retrofitted with apower assist function. For example, an existing vehicle may beretrofitted to include a motor, force sensor, instructions and othercomponents as described above with respect to the power assist function.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented with any ofa number of different vehicles and vehicle types. For example, thesystems and methods disclosed herein may be used with automobiles,trucks, recreational vehicles and other like on-or off-road vehiclesthat contain headrests. In addition, the principals disclosed herein mayalso extend to other vehicle types as well. For example, the systems andmethods described herein can be implemented in many types of vehicleincluding hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), gasoline- or diesel-poweredvehicles, fuel-cell vehicles, electric vehicles, or other vehicles. Oneof ordinary skill in the art reading this description will understandhow the disclosed embodiments can be implemented with vehicle platforms.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture for adjusting a vehicleheadrest in accordance with embodiments of the systems and methodsdescribed herein. Referring now to FIG. 1 , in this example, headrestadjustment system 100 includes a headrest control circuit 110, aplurality of sensors 122, and a plurality of vehicle systems 138.Sensors 120 and vehicle systems 130 can communicate with headrestcontrol circuit 110 via a wired or wireless communication interface.Although sensors 120 and vehicle systems 130 are depicted ascommunicating with headrest control circuit 110, they can alsocommunicate with each other as well as with other vehicle systems.Headrest control circuit 110 can be implemented as an electronic controlunit (ECU) or as part of an ECU. In other embodiments, headrest controlcircuit 110 can be implemented independently of the ECU.

Headrest control circuit 110 in this example includes a communicationcircuit 101, a decision circuit 103 (including a processor 106 andmemory 108 in this example) and a power supply 112. Components ofheadrest control circuit 110 are illustrated as communicating with eachother via a data bus, although other communication in interfaces can beincluded. Headrest control circuit 110 in this example also includes amanual switch 105 that can be operated by the user to manually selectthe headrest adjustment mode.

Processor 106 can include a GPU, CPU, microprocessor, or any othersuitable processing system. The memory 108 may include one or morevarious forms of memory or data storage (e.g., flash, RAM, etc.) thatmay be used to store the calibration parameters, images (analysis orhistoric), point parameters, instructions and variables for processor106 as well as any other suitable information. Memory 108, can be madeup of one or more modules of one or more different types of memory, andmay be configured to store data and other information as well asoperational instructions that may be used by the processor 106 and/orheadrest control circuit 110.

Although the example of FIG. 1 is illustrated using processor and memorycircuitry, as described below with reference to circuits disclosedherein, decision circuit 103 can be implemented utilizing any form ofcircuitry including, for example, hardware, software, or a combinationthereof. By way of further example, one or more processors, controllers,ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routinesor other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a headrest controlcircuit 110.

Communication circuit 101 may include either or both a wirelesstransceiver circuit 102 with an associated antenna 114 and a wired I/Ointerface 104 with an associated hardwired data port (not illustrated).As this example illustrates, communications with headrest controlcircuit 110 can include either or both wired and wireless communicationscircuits 101. Wireless transceiver circuit 102 can include a transmitterand a receiver (not shown) to allow wireless communications via any of anumber of communication protocols such as, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth,near field communications (NFC), Zigbee, and any of a number of otherwireless communication protocols whether standardized, proprietary,open, point-to-point, networked or otherwise. Antenna 114 is coupled towireless transceiver circuit 102 and is used by wireless transceivercircuit 102 to transmit radio signals wirelessly to wireless equipmentwith which it is connected and to receive radio signals as well. TheseRF signals can include information of almost any sort that is sent orreceived by headrest control circuit 110 to/from other entities such assensors 120 and vehicle systems 130.

Wired I/O interface 104 can include a transmitter and a receiver (notshown) for hardwired communications with other devices. For example,wired I/O interface 104 can provide a hardwired interface to othercomponents, including sensors 120 and vehicle systems 130. Wired I/Ointerface 104 can communicate with other devices using Ethernet or anyof a number of other wired communication protocols whether standardized,proprietary, open, point-to-point, networked or otherwise.

Power supply 110 can include one or more of a battery or batteries (suchas, e.g., Li-ion, Li-Polymer, NiMH, NiCd, NiZn, and NiH₂, to name a few,whether rechargeable or primary batteries,), a power connector (e.g., toconnect to vehicle supplied power, etc.), an energy harvester (e.g.,solar cells, piezoelectric system, etc.), or it can include any othersuitable power supply.

Sensors 120 can include, for example, sensors that may or may nototherwise be included on a standard vehicle with which the headrestadjustment system 100 is implemented. In the illustrated example,sensors 120 include touch sensors 122, motion sensors 124, and cameras126. Touch sensors 122 may include capacitive touch sensors. Touchsensors 122 may also include pressure sensors. Motion sensors 124 mayinclude sensors that can detect gestures and other input associated withmotion by a driver or passenger. Cameras 126 may also capture motion.Additional sensors 128 can also be included as may be appropriate for agiven implementation of headrest adjustment system 100. For example, aforce sensors may also be included. Other useful types of sensors may beincluded.

Vehicle systems 130 can include any of a number of different vehiclecomponents or subsystems used to control or monitor various aspects ofthe vehicle and its performance. In this example, the vehicle systems130 include an adjustment system 132 and a power-assist system 134. Theadjustment system 132, may, for example, control a lock and releasemechanism to adjust a headrest. The power-assist system 134, may, forexample, control motors and other components associated with apower-assist function for use in adjusting a vehicle headrest.Additional vehicle systems 138 can also be included as may beappropriate for a given implementation of headrest adjustment system100.

During operation, headrest control circuit 110 can receive informationfrom various vehicle sensors to determine whether the headrestadjustment mode should be activated. Also, the driver may manuallyactivate the headrest adjustment mode by operating adjustment switch105. Communication circuit 101 can be used to transmit and receiveinformation between headrest control circuit 110 and sensors 120, andheadrest control circuit 110 and vehicle systems 130. Also, sensors 120may communicate with vehicle systems 130 directly or indirectly (e.g.,via communication circuit 101 or otherwise).

In various embodiments, communication circuit 101 can be configured toreceive data and other information from sensors 120 that is used indetermining whether to activate the adjustment mode. Additionally,communication circuit 101 can be used to send an activation signal orother activation information to various vehicle systems 130 as part ofentering the adjustment mode. For example, as described in more detailbelow, communication circuit 101 can be used to send signals to, forexample, adjustment system 132, which upon activation may release aheadrest for adjustment or may lock a headrest into place after anadjustment period has ended or when it is no longer safe to adjust theheadrest. Communication circuit 101 may also be used to send signals topower-assist system 134, upon, for example, activation of the system bya detected threshold force. Communication circuit 101 may also be usedto send signals to any other vehicle system as may be appropriate toimplement the systems and methods described herein. The decisionregarding what action to take via these various vehicle systems 130 canbe made based on the information detected by sensors 120. Examples ofthis are described in more detail below.

In an embodiment, communication circuit 101 may be used to send signalsto vehicle systems 130 to indicate whether or not a vehicle is currentlyin use. For example, sensors 120 may directly detect that a vehicle isin use in a number of different ways. In one example, sensors 120 mayinclude force sensors that detect acceleration of a vehicle. In anotherexample, sensors may detect contact and/or pressure on the throttlepedal. Other examples exist. Processor 106 may include instructions thatinstruct adjustment system 132 to keep the headrest locked while thevehicle is in motion. Sensors 120 may also sense that vehicle movementhas stopped. If sensors 120 detect that vehicle movement has stopped fora threshold period of time, processor 106 may instruct adjustment system132 to unlock headrest and allow adjust, since the vehicle is currentlynot in motion.

Sensors may also indirectly determine that a vehicle is (not) in use.For example, touch 122, motion 124, or camera 126 sensors may detect adual-handed touch or gestures by the driver, as described above in otherembodiments. Detection of a two-handed touch or gesture may indicatethat a driver does not have at least one hand on the wheel. Therefore, atwo-handed touch or gesture may indicate that a driver is not attemptingto adjust the headrest while driving because a driver would most likelyneed at least one hand on the wheel to operate the vehicle. A one-handedtouch or gesture, may indicate the possibility that a driver isattempting to adjust the headrest while driving. The processor 106 mayinclude instructions that instruct adjustment system 132 to unlock thevehicle headrest if a two-handed touch or gesture indicating intent toadjust the headrest is detected. The processor 106 may includeinstructions that instruct adjustment system 132 to keep the vehicleheadrest locked if a one-handed touch or gesture is detected and/or ifno touch or gesture is detected.

As used herein, the terms circuit and component might describe a givenunit of functionality that can be performed in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present application. As used herein, a componentmight be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or acombination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers,ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routinesor other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a component. Variouscomponents described herein may be implemented as discrete components ordescribed functions and features can be shared in part or in total amongone or more components. In other words, as would be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art after reading this description, the variousfeatures and functionality described herein may be implemented in anygiven application. They can be implemented in one or more separate orshared components in various combinations and permutations. Althoughvarious features or functional elements may be individually described orclaimed as separate components, it should be understood that thesefeatures/functionality can be shared among one or more common softwareand hardware elements. Such a description shall not require or implythat separate hardware or software components are used to implement suchfeatures or functionality.

Where components are implemented in whole or in part using software,these software elements can be implemented to operate with a computingor processing component capable of carrying out the functionalitydescribed with respect thereto. One such example computing component isshown in FIG. 2 . Various embodiments are described in terms of thisexample-computing component 200. After reading this description, it willbecome apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implementthe application using other computing components or architectures.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , computing component 200 may represent, forexample, computing or processing capabilities found within aself-adjusting display, desktop, laptop, notebook, and tablet computers.They may be found in hand-held computing devices (tablets, PDA’s, smartphones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.). They may be found in workstationsor other devices with displays, servers, or any other type ofspecial-purpose or general-purpose computing devices as may be desirableor appropriate for a given application or environment. Computingcomponent 200 might also represent computing capabilities embeddedwithin or otherwise available to a given device. For example, acomputing component might be found in other electronic devices such as,for example, portable computing devices, and other electronic devicesthat might include some form of processing capability.

Computing component 200 might include, for example, one or moreprocessors, controllers, control components, or other processingdevices. This can include a processor, and/or any one or more of thecomponents making up user device, user system, and non-decrypting cloudservice. Processor 106 might be implemented using a general-purpose orspecial-purpose processing engine such as, for example, amicroprocessor, controller, or other control logic. Processor 106 may beconnected to a bus 202. However, any communication medium can be used tofacilitate interaction with other components of computing component 200or to communicate externally.

Computing component 200 might also include one or more memorycomponents, simply referred to herein as main memory 108. For example,random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, might be used forstoring information and instructions to be executed by processor 106.Main memory 108 might also be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 106. Computing component 200 might likewiseinclude a read only memory (“ROM”) or other static storage devicecoupled to bus 202 for storing static information and instructions forprocessor 106.

The computing component 200 might also include one or more various formsof information storage mechanism 210, which might include, for example,a media drive 212 and a storage unit interface 220. The media drive 212might include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removablestorage media 214. For example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical drive, a compact disc (CD) or digitalvideo disc (DVD) drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed mediadrive might be provided. Storage media 214 might include, for example, ahard disk, an integrated circuit assembly, magnetic tape, cartridge,optical disk, a CD or DVD. Storage media 214 may be any other fixed orremovable medium that is read by, written to or accessed by media drive212. As these examples illustrate, the storage media 214 can include acomputer usable storage medium having stored therein computer softwareor data.

In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism 210 mightinclude other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programsor other instructions or data to be loaded into computing component 200.Such instrumentalities might include, for example, a fixed or removablestorage unit 222 and an interface 220. Examples of such storage units222 and interfaces 220 can include a program cartridge and cartridgeinterface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or otherremovable memory component) and memory slot. Other examples may includea PCMCIA slot and card, and other fixed or removable storage units 222and interfaces 220 that allow software and data to be transferred fromstorage unit 222 to computing component 200.

Computing component 200 might also include a communications interface224. Communications interface 224 might be used to allow software anddata to be transferred between computing component 200 and externaldevices. Examples of communications interface 224 might include a modemor softmodem, a network interface (such as Ethernet, network interfacecard, IEEE 802.XX or other interface). Other examples include acommunications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port, RS232port Bluetooth® interface, or other port), or other communicationsinterface. Software/data transferred via communications interface 224may be carried on signals, which can be electronic, electromagnetic(which includes optical) or other signals capable of being exchanged bya given communications interface 224. These signals might be provided tocommunications interface 224 via a channel 228. Channel 228 might carrysignals and might be implemented using a wired or wireless communicationmedium. Some examples of a channel might include a phone line, acellular link, an RF link, an optical link, a network interface, a localor wide area network, and otherwired or wireless communicationschannels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerusable medium” are used to generally refer to transitory ornon-transitory media. Such media may be, e.g., memory 108, storage unit220, media 214, and channel 228. These and other various forms ofcomputer program media or computer usable media may be involved incarrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to aprocessing device for execution. Such instructions embodied on themedium, are generally referred to as “computer program code” or a“computer program product” (which may be grouped in the form of computerprograms or other groupings). When executed, such instructions mightenable the computing component 200 to perform features or functions ofthe present application as discussed herein.

Embodiment 1

In one example embodiment of the systems and methods described herein,improved and intuitive headrest adjustment may be accomplished with asmart mechatronic lock-unlock interface that releases and/or secures avehicle headrest based on detected user intent. Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of a seatback/head rest system 300 is shown. Referring nowto FIG. 4A, an example of a vehicle headrest 304 adjustment systemequipped with touch sensors 402 is shown.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a typical seat back/headrest system that maybe present in a new vehicle or an existing vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3 ,a seatback/ headrest system 300 may include a seatback 302 and aheadrest 304. The headrest 304 may include a first portion 306 and asecond portion 308. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first portion 306 may be atthe right side of the headrest 304 and the second portion 308 may be atthe left side of the headrest 304. Other arrangements are possible. Forinstance, the first and second portions may be located at the top andbottom of the headrest or at any other areas of the headrest. The system300 may also include rods 310, 312. The rods 310, 312 may be connectedto the headrest 304. In an alternate embodiment, the rods 310, 312 maybe connected to the seatback. The rods 310, 312 may slide into tracks(not shown). The tracks may be fitted into the seatback 302. The tracksmay alternately be fitted into the headrest 304. The rods 310, 312 maybe fitted into the tracks, connecting the seatback 302 to the headrest304. The rods 310, 312 may be fitted into the tracks at various pointswhich may result in the rods 310, 312 protruding from the tracks atvarious heights. The amount of protrusion may determine the position ofthe headrest 304 relative to the seatback 302 and the height of theheadrest 304.

FIG. 4A shows an example of a vehicle headrest 304 adjustment systemequipped with touch sensors 402. Touch sensors 402 may be located inboth the first portion 306 and the second portion 308 of the vehicleheadrest 304. To determine whether a driver and/or passenger intends toadjust the vehicle headrest 304, touch sensors 402 may detect when adriver and/or passengers touches a portion 306, 308 of the vehicleheadrest 304. A vehicle headrest 304 may include touch-sensitiveportions 306, 308 that can determine when a driver and/or passenger istouching one or more of the touch sensitive portions 306, 308 of thevehicle headrest 304. Touch sensitive portions 306, 308 of the vehicleheadrest 304 may include touch sensors 402 configured on or within thevehicle headrest 304 itself. Touch sensors 402 may be, for example,capacitive touch sensors, pressure sensors, or any other type orcombination of types of touch sensors.

Touch sensitive portions 306, 308 of a vehicle headrest 304 may belocated, for example, on the left and right sides of the vehicleheadrest 304. Touch sensitive portions 306, 308 may also be located onalternative areas of the vehicle headrest 304. The touch sensors 402 maybe configured to detect touch by a driver and/or passenger that isconsistent with intent to adjust the vehicle headrest 304. The touchsensors 402 may also be configured to detect touch by a driver and/orpassenger that is both consistent with intent to adjust the vehicleheadrest 304 and consistent with safe vehicle operation. For example,the touch sensors 402 may detect that a driver and/or passenger istouching both portions 306, 308, i.e., both the left 306 and the right308 sides, of the vehicle headrest 304. Other portions of the vehicleheadrest 304, beside or in addition to the left 306 and right 308 sidesmay also be touch sensitive portions. The sensors 310 may detect touchon other portions.

The sensors may be further configured to distinguish between one handedand dual-handed gripping of the headrest based on any configuration oftouch sensitive portions. When the sensors determine that a driverand/or passengers is touching both portions of the vehicle headrest, thesystem may determine that the driver and/or passenger intends to adjustthe vehicle headrest. When the sensors determine that a driver and/orpassengers is touching both portions of the vehicle headrest, the systemmay determine both that the driver and/or passenger intends to adjustthe vehicle headrest and that adjusting the headrest is consistent withsafe vehicle operation. For example if a driver is attempting to adjustthe headrest and the driver touches the headrest with both hands, thesystem may determine that the driver is not gripping the steering wheelwith one or both hands. Because the driver is not touching the steeringwheel, the system may determine the driver is not currently operatingthe vehicle and that it is safe to adjust the headrest now.

Touch sensors 402 may detect a touch that indicates a driver/passengerintends to adjust the headrest. Touch sensors 402 may be part of thesensors 120 described in FIG. 1 . For instance, touch sensors 122 mayinclude touch sensors 402. Upon detecting and confirming that apassenger and/or driver intends to adjust the vehicle headrest 304, thesystem 100 may unlock a lock(s) securing the headrest 304 in place. Theprocessor 106 may, upon receiving information from sensors 120, confirmintent to adjust the headrest. The processor 106 may then sendinstruction to adjustment system 132 to unlock the headrest. The sensors120, processor 106, and adjustment system 132 may communicate via awired connection or wireless communication. For example, the adjustmentsystem 132 may include wired or wireless controls for the smartmechatronic lock which unlocks or locks the headrest into place.

Unlocking the locks securing the headrest 304 in place may allow thedriver and/or passenger to freely move the vehicle headrest 304 into thedesired position. For example, in one embodiment, the headrest 304 maybe attached to rods 310, 312. The rods 310, 312 may protrude from thebottom of the headrest 304. Unlocking the locks may allow the driverand/or passenger to pull the headrest 304 upward and away from the seat302 to a desired height by pulling the headrest 304 and connected rods310, 312. The rods 310, 312 may be configured into cylindrical tracks inthe seat 302. Pulling the headrest 304 may cause the rods 310, 312 tomove out of the tracks. Unlocking the locks may also allow the driverand/or passenger to push the headrest 304 downward and toward the seat302 to a desired height by pushing the headrest 304 and thus causing therods 310, 312 to move into the cylindrical tracks in the seat 302.

In another embodiment, the headrest 304 may be movably attached to therods 310, 312. The rods 310, 312 may remain in place with the headrestmoves. For example, unlocking the locks may allow a user to pull theheadrest 304 along rods 310, 312 connecting the headrest 304 to the seat302. Unlocking the locks may also allow the driver and/or passenger topush the headrest 304 downward and toward the seat 302 to a desiredheight by pushing the headrest 304 along the rods 310, 312 connectingthe headrest 304 to the seat 302. Other configurations for adjusting theheadrest and/or attaching the headrest to the seat are also possible.Unlocking the locks may also allow the driver and/or passenger to tiltthe headrest 304 at an angle relative to the seat 302. In oneembodiment, the system may only unlock locks securing the vehicleheadrest 304 upon detecting and confirming both that a passenger and/ordriver intends to adjust the vehicle headrest 304 and that adjusting theheadrest 304 is consistent with safe operation of the vehicle.

Touch-sensitive portions 306, 308 of the vehicle headrest 304 mayinclude any portions of the vehicle headrest. For example, touchsensitive portions 306, 308 may include the left 306 and right 308 sidesof the headrest 304 as described above and as shown in FIG. 3 . However,touch sensitive portions may also include any other portions of thevehicle headrest in addition to and/or alternative to the left and/orright sides of the vehicle headrest. In an example embodiment, a vehicleheadrest may be equipped with touch sensitive portions that areconfigured to detect when the driver and/or passenger touches theheadrest using both hands. The system may unlock the headrest only upondetection and confirmation of detected touch consistent with adual-handed touch.

Requiring a dual-handed touch may offer several advantages. For example,requiring a dual-handed touch may prevent false positives. For example,a driver may accidently touch the vehicle headrest while stretching orpassing an item to a child in the back seat. If the system wereconfigured to detect only a single touch, the headrest may unlockinadvertently and potentially in a situation in which unlocking theheadrest is dangerous, i.e., while the driver is operating the vehicle.Requiring a dual-handed touch may eliminate or reduce the likelihood ofa false positive.

Additionally, a driver may be tempted to reach up to adjust the headrestwith one hand while driving with the other hand on the steering wheel.It may be dangerous for the system to release the headrest in thisscenario as the headrest would be loose while the driver is operatingthe vehicle. Requiring a touch with both hands on the headrest to unlockthe headrest may reduce the likelihood of a driver attempting to adjustthe headrest while operating the vehicle. Adjusting the headrest withboth hands means both hands must be on the headrest and the drivercannot be simultaneously touching the headrest and the steering wheel.This eliminates or reduces the possibility that a driver will attempt toadjust the headrest while operating the vehicle, since a driver wouldlikely need to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel to operatethe vehicle.

A headrest adjustment system may include any type of touch sensors 402.For example, the sensors may be capacitive touch sensors. Capacitivetouch sensors may not require the driver and/or passenger to exert anypressure and/or force onto the headrest. Capacitive touch sensors maydetect a touch by determining the driver and/or passenger’s hand orhands are in proximity with the touch-sensitive portions of the vehicleheadrest. In another example, the sensors may be pressure sensors.Pressure sensors may detect and confirm that a driver and/or passengeris touching a touch sensitive portion of the vehicle headrest bymeasuring the pressure and/or force exerted by the driver and/orpassenger in gripping the headrest and by confirming a touch when themeasured pressure and/or force exceeds a threshold value. A system mayinclude combinations of different types of sensors as well. For example,a system may include a combination of both capacitive touch sensors andpressure sensors. A system may additionally and/or alternatively includeany other appropriate type of sensor. For example, a system may includeheat sensors or other types of sensors that can detect touch.

After a driver and/or passenger has adjusted the vehicle headrest, thesystem may re-lock the headrest back into place. The processor 106 mayinstruct the adjustment system 132 to relock the headrest after a setperiod of time has expired. For example, the average time it takes toadjust a vehicle headrest may be a period of time, X. The system mayautomatically re-lock the headrest into place after the period of time,X, has expired after releasing the headrest, or after some other setperiod of time has expired. Additionally, and or alternatively, thesensors may determine that the hands of the driver and/or passenger areno longer contacting the vehicle headrest. The system may re-lock theheadrest into place immediately upon determining that the hands of thedriver and/or passenger are no longer contacting the headrest.Alternatively, the system may re-lock the headrest into place afterdetermining both that the hands of the driver and/or passenger are nolonger contacting the headrest and after a set period of time followingthe detected lack of contact with the headrest has elapsed.

In an alternative embodiment, vehicle movement may be detected directlyusing sensors 120 and may be used to determine whether or not the systemmay unlock the headrest 304 for adjustment. For example, sensors 120 maydirectly detect that a vehicle is in use in a number of different ways.In one example, sensors 120 may include force sensors that detectacceleration of a vehicle. In another example, sensors may detectcontact and/or pressure on the throttle pedal. Other examples exist. Ifmovement of a vehicle is detected by sensors 120, the processor 106 mayinstruct adjustment system 132 to keep the headrest locked, since it isnot safe to adjust the headrest while the vehicle is in motion.

Sensors 120 may also sense that vehicle movement has stopped. If sensors120 detect that vehicle movement has stopped for a threshold period oftime, processor 106 may instruct adjustment system 132 to unlockheadrest and allow adjustment. Since the vehicle is currently not inmotion, the driver is likely not driving the vehicle and may safelyadjust the headrest.

The systems and methods described above may be integrated into a newseat back /headrest system and may form a component of a new vehicle.However, in another embodiment, an existing seat back/headrest system ina vehicle may be retrofitting to include the features described above.For example, a vehicle may include an existing seatback/head restsystem, similar to the system 300 shown in FIG. 3 . Retrofitting theexisting system may involve adding touch sensors to and/or embeddingtouch sensors into the existing headrest. Retrofitting may also involvereplacing an existing lock/unlock mechanism with a smart mechatroniclock/unlock system. Retrofitting may further involve adding a wired orwireless connection to the sensors and smart mechatronic lock/unlockingsystem and existing or added vehicle circuitry. For instance, anexisting vehicle ECU may be updated with instructions for operating thelock/unlock system where appropriate. The retrofitted vehicle may alsobe equipped with instructions relating to detecting intent to adjust avehicle and unlocking/locking the headrest, as described in theforegoing paragraphs.

Embodiment 2

In one example embodiment of the systems and methods described herein,improved and intuitive headrest adjustment may be accomplished with asmart mechatronic lock-unlock interface that releases and/or secures avehicle headrest based on detected user intent. Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of a seat back/headrest system 300 is shown. Referring nowto FIG. 4B, an example of a vehicle headrest 304 adjustment systemequipped with motion sensors 404 is shown.

For example, to determine whether a driver and/or passenger intends toadjust the vehicle headrest 304, monitoring sensors may detect when adriver and/or passengers performs a gesture consistent with adjustingthe vehicle headrest 304. A vehicle headrest 304 may include motionsensors 404 configured on or within the vehicle headrest 304 itself.Motion sensors 404 may include, for example, camera sensors, sonar,radar, LIDAR, and additionally or alternatively any other appropriatemotion sensor. The system may include any type or combinations of typesof motion sensors. Motion sensors 404 may be located in any part of thevehicle headrest 304 itself and/or on some other part of the vehicle.

The motion sensors 404 may be configured to detect a hand gestureperformed by the driver and/or passenger that is consistent with intentto adjust the vehicle headrest 304. For example, a hand gestureconsistent with intent to adjust the vehicle headrest may a hand gesturethat is naturally associate with adjusting a vehicle headrest. Forexample, when a driver and/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicleheadrest, the driver and/or passenger may reach toward the vehicleheadrest with both hands. Reaching toward the headrest with both handsmay be detected by the motion sensors as a gesture consistent withadjust the vehicle headrest. Other natural hand gestures consistent withadjust the vehicle headrest may also be detected by the motion sensors.A hand gesture may also be a pre-set hand gesture that the driver and/orpassenger knows in advance signifies that the driver and/or passengerintends to adjust the vehicle headrest. For example, the system maycontain instructions that a “thumbs up” gesture signifies the driverand/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicle headrest. The driverand/or passenger may perform a “thumbs up” gesture when the driverand/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicle headrest. The motionsensors may detect the “thumbs up” gesture and may determine that thedriver and/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicle headrest. Otherpre-set hand gestures, such as waving, or any other appropriate gesture,may also signify that the driver and/or passenger intends to adjust thevehicle headrest.

The motion sensors 404 may also be configured to detect a hand gestureby a driver and/or passenger that is both consistent with intent toadjust the vehicle headrest 304 and consistent with safe vehicleoperation. For example, the motion sensors 404 may detect that a driverand/or passenger is reaching out towards the vehicle headrest with bothhands. Alternatively, the motions sensors 404 may detect that the driverand/or passenger is performing a double “thumbs up” gesture, i.e., thedriver and/or passenger is gesturing with both hands, each hand forminga “thumbs up” gesture.

The sensors may be further configured to distinguish between one handedand dual-handed gestures based on any configuration and/or combinationof motion sensors. When the sensors determine that a driver and/orpassengers is performing a dual-handed gesture, the system may determinethat the driver and/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicle headrest.When the sensors determine that a driver and/or passengers is performinga dual-handed gesture, the system may determine both that the driverand/or passenger intends to adjust the vehicle headrest and thatadjusting the headrest is consistent with safe vehicle operation. Forexample if a driver is attempting to adjust the headrest and the driverperforms a dual-handed gesture, the system may determine that the driveris not gripping the steering wheel with one or both hands. Because thedriver is not touching the steering wheel, the system may determine thedriver is not currently operating the vehicle and that it is safe toadjust the headrest now.

Motion sensors 404 may detect a gesture that indicates adriver/passenger intends to adjust the headrest. Motion sensors 404 maybe part of the sensors 120 described in FIG. 1 . For instance, motionsensors 124 and/or camera sensors 126 may include motion sensors 404.Upon detecting and confirming that a passenger and/or driver intends toadjust the vehicle headrest 304, the system 100 may unlock lockssecuring the headrest 304 in place. The processor 106 may, uponreceiving information from sensors 120, confirm intent to adjust theheadrest. The processor 106 may then send instruction to adjustmentsystem 132 to unlock the headrest. The sensors 120, processor 106, andadjustment system 132 may communicate via a wired connection or wirelesscommunication. For example, the adjustment system 132 may include wiredor wireless controls for the smart mechatronic lock which unlocks orlocks the headrest into place.

Unlocking the locks securing the headrest 304 in place may allow thedriver and/or passenger to freely move the vehicle headrest 304 into thedesired position. For example, unlocking the locks may allow the driverand/or passenger to pull the headrest 304 upward and away from the seat302 to a desired height by pulling the headrest 304 along rods 310, 312connecting the headrest 304 to the seat 302. Unlocking the locks mayalso allow the driver and/or passenger to push the headrest 304 downwardand toward the seat 302 to a desired height by pushing the headrest 304along the rods 310, 312 connecting the headrest 304 to the seat 302.Unlocking the locks may also allow the driver and/or passenger to tiltthe headrest 304 at an angle relative to the seat 302. In oneembodiment, the system may only unlock locks securing the vehicleheadrest 304 upon detecting and confirming both that a passenger and/ordriver intends to adjust the vehicle headrest 304 and that adjusting theheadrest 304 is consistent with safe operation of the vehicle.

In an example embodiment, a vehicle headrest may be equipped with motionsensors that are configured to detect when the driver and/or passengerperforms a dual-handed gesture indicating the driver and/or passengerintends to adjust the headrest. The system may unlock the headrest onlyupon detection and confirmation of a detected dual-handed gesture.

Requiring a dual-handed gesture may offer several advantages. Forexample, requiring a dual-handed gesture may prevent false positives.For example, a driver may accidently perform a gesture consistent withintent to adjust the vehicle headrest, such as a “thumbs up” whilecommunicating with a passenger in the vehicle. If the system wereconfigured to detect only a single-handed gesture, the headrest mayunlock inadvertently and potentially in a situation in which unlockingthe headrest is dangerous, i.e., while the driver is operating thevehicle. Requiring a dual-handed gesture may eliminate or reduce thelikelihood of a false positive.

Additionally, a driver may be tempted to adjust the headrest with onehand while driving with the other hand on the steering wheel. It may bedangerous for the system to release the headrest in this scenario as theheadrest would be loose while the driver is operating the vehicle.Requiring a dual-handed gesture to unlock the headrest may reduce thelikelihood of a driver attempting to adjust the headrest while operatingthe vehicle. Performing a dual-handed gesture means both hands must beperforming the gesture and the driver cannot be simultaneouslyperforming the gesture and touching the steering wheel. This eliminatesor reduces the possibility that a driver will attempt to adjust theheadrest while operating the vehicle, since a driver would likely needto keep at least one hand on the steering wheel to operate the vehicle.

After a driver and/or passenger has adjusted the vehicle headrest, thesystem may re-lock the headrest back into place. The processor 106 mayinstruct the adjustment system 132 to relock the headrest after a setperiod of time has expired. For example, the average time it takes toadjust a vehicle headrest may be a period of time, X. The system mayautomatically re-lock the headrest into place after the period of time,X, has expired after releasing the headrest, or after some other setperiod of time has expired. Additionally, and or alternatively, thesensors may determine that the driver and/or passenger is no longeradjusting the headrest and/or performing gestures consistent with adjustthe headrest. The system may re-lock the headrest into place immediatelyupon determining that the driver and/or passenger is no longer adjustingthe headrest. The motion sensors may also detect a hand gesture thatindicates the driver and/or passenger has completed adjusting theheadrest. The completion gesture may be the same as the intent to adjustgesture or it may be a different gesture. The system may re-lock theheadrest into place immediately upon determining that the driver and/orpassenger has performed the completion gesture. Alternatively, thesystem may re-lock the headrest into place after determining either thatthe passenger and/or driver is no longer adjusting the headrest or thatthe driver and/or passenger has performed a completion gesture and aftera set period of time following the detected lack of adjustment ordetected completion gesture has elapsed.

In an alternative embodiment, vehicle movement may be detected directlyusing sensors 120 and may be used to determine whether or not the systemmay unlock the headrest 304 for adjustment. For example, sensors 120 maydirectly detect that a vehicle is in use in a number of different ways.In one example, sensors 120 may include force sensors that detectacceleration of a vehicle. In another example, sensors may detectcontact and/or pressure on the throttle pedal. Other examples exist. Ifmovement of a vehicle is detected by sensors 120, the processor 106 mayinstruct adjustment system 132 to keep the headrest locked, since it isnot safe to adjust the headrest while the vehicle is in motion.

Sensors 120 may also sense that vehicle movement has stopped. If sensors120 detect that vehicle movement has stopped for a threshold period oftime, processor 106 may instruct adjustment system 132 to unlockheadrest and allow adjustment. Since the vehicle is currently not inmotion, the driver is likely not driving the vehicle and may safelyadjust the headrest.

The systems and methods described above may be integrated into a newseat back /headrest system and may form a component of a new vehicle.However, in another embodiment, an existing seat back/headrest system ina vehicle may be retrofitting to include the features described above.For example, a vehicle may include an existing seatback/head restsystem, similar to the system 300 shown in FIG. 3 . Retrofitting theexisting system may involve adding motion sensors to the existingheadrest. Retrofitting may also involve replacing an existinglock/unlock mechanism with a smart mechatronic lock/unlock system.Retrofitting may further involve adding a wired or wireless connectionto the sensors and smart mechatronic lock/unlocking system and existingor added vehicle circuitry. For instance, an existing vehicle ECU may beupdated with instructions for operating the lock/unlock system whereappropriate. The retrofitted vehicle may also be equipped withinstructions relating to detecting intent to adjust a vehicle andunlocking/locking the headrest, as described in the foregoingparagraphs.

Embodiment 3

In one example embodiment of the systems and methods described herein,improved and intuitive headrest adjustment may be accomplished with apower-assist function that assists a driver and/or passenger in moving avehicle headrest into a desired position. Referring now to FIG. 6A and6B, example of a power-assist system 500 are shown. A power-assistsystem 500 may include electric motors 520 that may assist the driverand/or passenger in moving the vehicle headrest 504. The power-assistsystem 500 may also include force sensors 530 located within the vehicleheadrest 504 itself. The force sensors 530 may measure force applied toa vehicle headrest 504 by a driver and/or passenger.

In one embodiment, force sensors 530 may measure the force applied by adriver and/or passenger when the driver and/or passenger is attemptingto move the vehicle headrest 504 in a vertical direction. The forcesensors 530 may determine both that a driver and/or passenger isexerting a force on the headrest 504 an that the driver and/or passengeris applying a force in a selected direction. The system 500 maydetermine that when a driver and/or passenger applies a force on theheadrest 504 in a selected direction, the driver and/or passengerintends to move the headrest 504 in the selected direction. When theforce sensors 530 detect that a driver and/or passenger is attempting tomove the vehicle headrest 504 in a selected direction, the power-assistsystem 500 may actuate electric motors 520. The electric motors 520 maymove the vehicle headrest 504 in the selected direction.

Force sensors 530 may detect a force that indicates a driver/passengerintends to move the headrest in a selected direction. Force sensors 530may be part of the sensors 120 described in FIG. 1 . Upon detecting andconfirming that a passenger/driver intends to adjust the headrest 304 ina selected direction, the system 100 may activate a power assistfunction. The processor 106, upon receiving information from the sensors120, may confirm intent to adjust the headrest in a selected direction.The processor 106 may then send instructions to the power assist system134 to move the headrest in the selected direction. The sensors 120,processor 106, and power assist system 134 may communicate via a wiredconnection or wireless communication. For example, the power assistsystem 134 may include wired or wireless controls for the motors 520which move the headrest into place.

For example, a driver may intend to adjust a vehicle headrest 504 asshown in FIG. 5A. The driver may push down on the vehicle headrest 504.The force sensors 530 may determine that the driver is exerting a forceon the vehicle headrest 504. The system 500 may then determine that thedriver intends to move the vehicle headrest. The force sensors 530 mayfurther determine that the driver is exerting a downward force on thevehicle headrest 504. The system 500 may then determine that the driverintends to move the vehicle headrest 504 downward and toward the seat502. The system 500 may then actuate electric motors 520 to perform thedownward movement. The electric motors 520 may move the headrest 504downward toward the seat 502 by moving the headrest 504 downward alongrods 510, 512 connecting the headrest 504 to the seat 502. After themotors 520 have moved the headrest downward, the headrest may occupy aposition as shown in FIG. 5B.

In another example, a driver may push up on the vehicle headrest 504.The force sensors 530 may detect this upward force and the system 500may actuate the electric motors 520 to move the headrest 504 in anupward direction. When a driver is finished adjusting the headrest intothe desired position, the driver may stop applying a force to theheadrest. The force sensors 530 may detect that the driver is no longerapplying a force to the headrest. The system 500 may determine that thedriver is finished adjusting the headrest. The system 500 may stop theelectric motors 520 to stop moving the headrest 504.

The force sensors 530 may also detect a counter-force. For example, thedriver may push upwards on the headrest, indicating that the driverwished to move the headrest upwards. The system may actuate the motors520 which may move the headrest upward in the direction indicated by thedriver. Once the headrest reaches the position desired by the driver,the driver may push the headrest downward, pull the headrest downward,or hold the headrest in place, counteracting the upward motion of theheadrest. The force sensor may detect this counter-force applied by thedriver. The system 500 may determine that the driver is finishedadjusting the headrest. The system 500 may stop the motors 520 to stopmoving the headrest 504.

Additionally, the system 500 may configured to automatically stop movingthe headrest when the headrest has reached a certain position. Forexample, the system may be configured to automatically stop moving theheadrest downward when the headrest reaches a position where it iscontacting the seat 502, as shown in FIG. 5B. In another example, thesystem may be configured to automatically stop moving the headrestupward when further upward movement would cause the headrest 504 to comeloose from the rods 510, 512 connecting the headrest to the seat 502.The system may also be configured to automatically stop moving theheadrest in other positions. For example, a driver and/or passenger maysave a pre-set desired headrest position. The system may automaticallystop adjusting the headrest when it reaches a desired pre-set headrestposition. Other configurations are also possible.

In an alternative embodiment, vehicle movement may be detected directlyusing sensors 120 and may be used to determine whether or not the systemmay unlock the headrest 304 for adjustment. For example, sensors 120 maydirectly detect that a vehicle is in use in a number of different ways.In one example, sensors 120 may include force sensors that detectacceleration of a vehicle. In another example, sensors may detectcontact and/or pressure on the throttle pedal. Other examples exist. Ifmovement of a vehicle is detected by sensors 120, the processor 106 mayinstruct adjustment system 132 to keep the headrest locked, since it isnot safe to adjust the headrest while the vehicle is in motion.

Sensors 120 may also sense that vehicle movement has stopped. If sensors120 detect that vehicle movement has stopped for a threshold period oftime, processor 106 may instruct adjustment system 132 to unlockheadrest and allow adjustment. Since the vehicle is currently not inmotion, the driver is likely not driving the vehicle and may safelyadjust the headrest.

The systems and methods described above may be integrated into a newseat back /headrest system and may form a component of a new vehicle.However, in another embodiment, an existing seat back/headrest system ina vehicle may be retrofitting to include the features described above.For example, a vehicle may include an existing seatback/head restsystem, similar to the system 300 shown in FIG. 3 . Retrofitting theexisting system may involve adding force sensors and motors to theheadrest. Retrofitting may further involve adding a wired or wirelessconnection to the force sensors and motor and existing or added vehiclecircuitry. For instance, an existing vehicle ECU may be updated withinstructions for operating the power assist function where appropriate.The retrofitted vehicle may also be equipped with instructions relatingto detecting a force applied to a headrest in a direction for athreshold period, as described in the foregoing paragraphs. Theinstructions may further relate to moving the headrest with the motor inthe direction of the detected force.

Embodiment 3, the power assist-function may be combined with embodiment1, the touch sensor headrest adjustment system and/or embodiment 2, themotion sensor headrest adjustment system. Though each of theseembodiments are described separately, the descriptions are in no wayintended to limit application of any of the embodiment described herein.Embodiments may be performed independently or may be combined in anymatter. For instance, embodiments 1 and 3 may be combined in a systemleveraging touch sensors to determine a driver and/or passenger wishesto adjust a headrest and a power-assist function to assist the driverand/or passenger in moving the headrest into the desired position. Asanother example, embodiments 2 and 3 may be combined in a systemleveraging motion sensors to determine a driver and/or passenger wishesto adjust a headrest and a power-assist function to assist the driverand/or passenger in moving the headrest into the desired position. Asanother example, embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined in a systemleveraging both touch and force sensors to determine a driver and/orpassenger wished to adjust a headrest. Such system may, optionally,further include the power-assist function of embodiment 3 to facilitateadjustment of the headrest.

It should be understood that the various features, aspects andfunctionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments arenot limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment withwhich they are described. Instead, they can be applied, alone or invarious combinations, to one or more other embodiments, whether or notsuch embodiments are described and whether or not such features arepresented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadthand scope of the present application should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like. The term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known.” Terms of similar meaning should not be construed aslimiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time. Instead, they should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Where this documentrefers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one ofordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent orknown to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “component” does not imply that the aspects or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the component are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various aspects of acomponent, whether control logic or other components, can be combined ina single package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

1. A headrest adjustment system comprising: a motion sensor system, themotion sensor system configured to detect hand gestures indicating auser intends to adjust a headrest; and a smart lock mechanism to securethe headrest in place, wherein, the smart lock mechanism is configuredto communicate with the motion sensor system such that, upon detectionof hand gestures indicating the user intends to adjust the headrest, thesystem unlocks the smart lock mechanism, releasing the headrest.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the motions sensor system comprises sensorsselected from the group consisting of: camera sensors, sonar, radar, andLIDAR.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the hand gestures indicating auser intends to adjust the headrest comprise natural hand gestures thatusers perform when users attempt to adjust a headrest.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the hand gestures indicating a user intends to adjustthe headrest comprise set hand gestures the system is configured torecognize as signifying that the user intends to adjust the headrest. 5.The system of claim 1 wherein, upon detection by the motion sensors thatthe user is no longer adjusting the headrest, the system locks the smartlock mechanism, securing the headrest in place.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein, upon detection of a hand gesture indicating the user isfinished adjust the headrest, the system locks the smart lock mechanism,securing the headrest in place.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein, uponthe expiration of a set period of time following release of theheadrest, the system locks the smart lock mechanism, securing theheadrest in place.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein hand gesturesindicating that a user intends to adjust the headrest comprise handgestures that a user must perform using two hands.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising: a touch sensor system, wherein touch sensorsare embedded in first and second portions of the headrest such that thetouch sensor system is configured to detect a user touch at both thefirst portion and the second portion of the headrest, the smart lockmechanism is further configured to communicate with the touch sensorsystem such that, upon detection of a user touch at both the firstportion and the second portion of the headrest, the system unlocks thesmart lock mechanism, releasing the headrest.
 10. (canceled) 11.(canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. A headrestadjustment method comprising: detecting, using motion sensors, a firstuser hand gesture; confirming the detected first user hand gestureindicates that the user intends to adjust the headrest; unlocking asmart mechatronic lock, the smart mechatronic lock securing the headrestin place, to enable free movement of the headrest; detecting, usingforce sensors, a user force applied to the headrest; and moving theheadrest, using motors, in the direction indicated by the applied userforce.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: detecting, usingforce sensors, the absence of a user force applied to the headrest;stopping motion of the headrest; detecting, using motion sensors, asecond user hand gesture; confirming the detected second user handgesture indicates the user is finished adjusting the headrest; andlocking the smart mechatronic lock to secure the headrest in place. 17.The method of claim 15 further comprising: confirming that the detecteduser hand gesture is consistent with safe operation of a vehicle.